MIssion Overland Trailer Owners page

[WU7X]

Another thing you should consider is to upgrade your cars alternator. When I added a second battery to support my winch, refrigerator, and ham radio, I also upgraded my alternator. The stock one produces approximately 110 amps peak. The new more than doubled that to around 240 amps. So while driving I am charging both car batteries and the two 6 v trailer batteries while not straining the cars charging system.

 

[Daisy22]

Another thing you should consider is to upgrade your cars alternator. When I added a second battery to support my winch, refrigerator, and ham radio, I also upgraded my alternator. The stock one produces approximately 110 amps peak. The new more than doubled that to around 240 amps. So while driving I am charging both car batteries and the two 6 v trailer batteries while not straining the cars charging system.

Thank you for that info. Will talk to husband about it but may wait for my next vehicle which will be primary tow and travel vehicle. We are currently using his F150.

 

[WU7X]

I have a pair of Trojan T105 Plus GC2 batteries in series and, according to Trojan's data sheet, I would avoid letting the voltage drop below 12.1V [at rest].

Re LiFePO4 batteries: if you camp in cooler weather, you need a self-heating battery or it will be useless. Beware the Marketing Wanks!

My camping temperature extremes range from -20 deg. to over 100 deg. F. What you are telling me is that LiFePO4 batteries probably would not be a good choice. Is that correct?

 

[carbon60]

My camping temperature extremes range from -20 deg. to over 100 deg. F. What you are telling me is that LiFePO4 batteries probably would not be a good choice. Is that correct?

Correct. Unless a system actually heats the battery, the BMS (Battery Management System) will automatically stop charging the battery when it is below freezing. This has some good info:

How to Find Happiness With LiFePO4 (Lithium-Ion) Batteries

By: Rob Beckers You have just sold your first-born into slavery, remortgaged the house, and bought yourself a lithium-ion battery! Now you want to know how to take care of your precious new purchase: How to best charge lithium-iron batteries, how to discharge them, and how... #battery #LFP #LiFePO4

www.solacity.com

I heard that Battleborn is working on/has released a self-heating battery. But what will the power cost be? I don't know.

Lithium is awesome but, like all chemistries, has important limitations. Due to the pervasive marketing BS in the battery and solar industry, it's really worthwhile becoming knowledgeable before dropping your hard-earned cash.

What do you have on your trailer now?

 

[mep1811]

Some views from inside the trailer.
Lots of room with the table removed.

The rear door system is terrible. Very hard to close from the inside.

It also leaks water like a sieve as well let's in all sorts of dust. I thought the auto fan would be a failure and it was.



Just found out the fan doesn't work anymore.

 

[carbon60]

Just found out the fan doesn't work anymore.

Talking about the roof fan?

I have a Maxxair Maxxfan and had to replace the main motor, after the manufacturer replaced the board twice before deciding it was the motor drawing more current than spec, and tripping the confuser up. Works great now.

 

[WU7X]

I am in the process of adding two genuine NATO jerry cans to the trailer. The Front Runner holder will be mounted on the driver's side of the front box. If I limit the contents to 4.5 gallons per can, I will use an extended syphon hose to drain the fuel into the gastank. I can leave the gas cans right in their mount rather than trying to fumble around holding them and disgorging the contents into the gas tank. Thiey will give me at least another 90-100 additional off-road miles between pumps.



If you use the Front Runner mount, I have found that the Chinese copy of the NATO Jerry can won't sit properly. this is due to the ridge that sticks out from the center spine of the can. See pic below to see what I mean. the Chinese version isn't built as well either. My original Jerry can is on the left. It is approximately 30 years old and has been down many a bumpy road. The welds are really beautiful. the Chinese version tack welds their cans together. Makes me worry about their ruggedness.

 

[WU7X]

Once I realized the Chinese made "NATO" jerry can I had purchased wouldn't work I began searching for a replacement. The place I found and will strongly recommend is CampingMAXX.com down in Texas. Jerry sold me four USED NATO jerry cans, four new gaskets, and a new filler for $199 shipped. I ordered the cans last Thursday and they arrived today (Monday). As stated the can are used but in very good condition. In fact, I am really pleased with them. I'll be painting at least two of them red before installing them on the trailer.

The Front Runner holder is really a nicely built unit. It holds the two cans very securely, once the latches are properly set. I do have one issue with the build. When installing the latches the Front Runner documentation shows threading the button head bolts from the rear, through the latches, and then installing a nyloc nuts to hold them in place. I have found it is much simpler to run the bolts through the latch first then back through the Front Runner straps. Doing it the way the diagram shows is very difficult because one cannot get a 7mm socket or wrench to grasp the nut.

Here is a pic of the diagram I'm talking about. Reverse the way it shows to install the button head bolt.



The latches have a hole through them for "locking" the latches shut. Great idea! I have found that cloths hanger wire is the perfect size to fit through these holes. I've fashened two wire clips to temporarily hold the latches shut. A better solution will be to pick up a couple cotter pins with the appropriate diameter to do the job. I'll pick a couple up at my local ACE hardware when I'm there to get the red rattle cans for painting the jerry cans appropriately. Remember to bend the hanger versions over a bit to hold them in place.

 

[WU7X]

Here are the Cotter/Hitch pins I found at the local Lowes. They work perfectly! The first photo also gives an idea of how clean the used NATO cans I purchased are. Picked up a couple cans of red paint. They should be ready for fuel and mounting in a couple of days.

 

[mep1811]

I think you would be much better served if I'd put in those Jerry cans on the roof of your truck where you can refuel straight from the roof.
I think the last thing you would be more tongue weight.

 

[WU7X]

I think you would be much better served if I'd put in those Jerry cans on the roof of your truck where you can refuel straight from the roof.
I think the last thing you would be more tongue weight.

Mike,
Total weight is approximately 80 lbs. That is for 9 gal. gas, the Front Runner system, and the jerry cans. I have added no other weight to the trailer, with the exception of several 3M hangers, so am not too worried about the tongue weight. I don't want to increase the height or weight on top of the T4R. We have trees with low hanging limbs up here in the PNW. If you look at past pics of the vehicle/trailer combo you'll see that the trailer is pitched at a couple of degrees upward where mounted to the max Coupler. I did this to force the weight of the setup back a bit over the trailer axles. With the medium duty OME suspension, 255/75R17 32" BFG AT KO2 tires, and the 4.56 gearing, the rig is pulling the trailer in an almost neutral attribute situation now. I'd rather have the additional weight split between the rear axle of the T4R and the trailer.



I plan to take the fully loaded trailer and 4Runner to the local weigh station soon. Want to get a feeling for the individual weights of the ready for camping 4Runner and the separate trailer. I haven't done that yet and will let you know what everything comes out at.

Dale

 

[mep1811]

Anyone else have a faucet that will not stay secured?
I could drive and by the end of the day the faucets almost completely unscrewed from the sink.

 

[carbon60]

Anyone else have a faucet that will not stay secured?
I could drive and by the end of the day the faucets almost completely unscrewed from the sink.

I do not have this issue, but my faucet is different. Maybe just a touch of thread lock would correct?

 

[Vogold]

Anyone else have a faucet that will not stay secured?
I could drive and by the end of the day the faucets almost completely unscrewed from the sink.

I’ve had to tighten my faucet once, a couple of trips ago.

 

[WU7X]

With 10 K miles on the unit, no issue here either.